Lubao

Considered as the Cradle of Kapampangan Civilization, the municipality of Lubao has been a center of commerce since the precolonial period. It is the oldest of all the towns in the province of Pampanga.

Lubao’s name means “low”, a reference to its flat, low lands. Its major rivers, creeks and coastal areas have made fishing one of the primary industries in Lubao. A number of villages in Lubao are considered fishing villages, relying on the bounty of the sea for their income.

The town’s agriculture is also very strong, particularly with rice, sugar cane and sampaguita. The barrio of Sta. Cruz is its business center, being home to its public market—a great place to go shopping for local goodies and products.

Lubaoans highlight the importance of the Philippines’ national flower through the Sampaguita Festival, celebrated every May by the six parishes of the town. Another notable festival in Lubao is the International Balloon Festival, which features balloons in all types of popular, silly and beautiful forms.

The centuries old San Agustin Church in Lubao has been considered an important cultural property by the National Museum. Other beautiful, historic churches include the Holy Cross Parish and the Church of Christ. Lubao’s churches become especially popular with Catholics and tourists during the Holy Week.

Lubao is also famous for being the birthplace of two presidents, Diosdado Macapagal and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. You can visit the Diosdado Macapagal Museum and Library, which is just behind the nipa hut in which he was born. These sights, right next to each other, is living proof of the former president’s humble beginnings—relevant to his claim to fame as the “poor boy from Lubao” who rose to the highest position in office.